Hubert James “Bud” Smith, Jr., age 82, passed away on December 24, 2025, just four days shy of his 83rd birthday. He was born in Austin, Texas, to Hubert James Smith, Sr. and Ruby Ethel Hodnett Smith on December 28, 1942, and grew up there with his siblings, Sharon Walker, Bernice Courtney, and Mickey Frame.
Bud entered the United States Navy on January 30, 1961, and proudly served until his honorable discharge on December 14, 1964. After returning to Austin, he began building a diverse career.
He spent ten years in management with Stewart & Stevenson in Houston, Texas, during which time he welcomed two sons, Johnny James Smith and Jason Lynn Smith.
On April 22, 1989, Bud married Charlene Rae (Tape) Harrington in Austin, Texas, gaining a stepson, Joel Harrington, whom he embraced as family.
Determined and hardworking, Bud earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice over many years while raising his children. He ultimately achieved his professional goal when he joined the State of Texas Pardon and Parole Division, where he later retired.
Bud was a member of the University Hills Optimist Club while his boys were growing up and enjoyed supporting youth sports. Music was one of his greatest joys, whether he was listening, performing, writing, or adding to his collection of guitars and recordings. As a child, he was known for his beautiful soprano voice. Bud was also an avid reader with a particular fondness for mysteries. He had a sharp, wry sense of humor and a fondness for playful mischief.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; his aunt and uncle, Bernice and Ernest Ebner; his brother-in-law Malcolm Walker; his sister-in-law Laverne Frame; and his maternal grandparents, Martin Jackson Hodnett and Ethel A. Hodnett.
Bud is survived by his wife, Charlene; his sons, Johnny and Jason; his stepson, Joel; and his daughters-in-law, Robin Smith and Kelly Smith. He leaves behind grandchildren Brittany & husband Andrew Church, Ty & wife Kaitlyn Smith, Hayden Smith, Shelby Smith, and Cody Smith; and great-grandchildren Levi Sutherland Church, Hunter Leroy Church, and Savannah Robinett Church. He is also survived by his siblings Sharon Walker, Bernice Courtney and her husband Ben, and Mickey Frame; nieces Melissa Walker Rahman and her husband Amir, Karen Walker Schmidt and her husband Stephen, and Cassandra Poole; nephews Christopher Courtney and his wife Melanie, and Jeff Courtney; as well as many great nieces and great nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.
Bud’s life was filled with love, humor, music, and devotion to God and family. Bud was at peace with his Lord, Jesus Christ, his personal Savior. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A graveside service will be held at Jeffrey Cemetery located 10 miles east of Lockhart, Texas and 1 mile west of McMahan, Texas, in Caldwell County, on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.
